Hidden in the hills of Northern California you’ll find Pete Tonkin, Pete started to machine things when he was 13 years old he worked machining and fabricating parts for the lumber industry as well as for hydroplane boats. Pete has some very complex CNC Mills and has had a lot of programing experience with CNC and Mastercam before he even thought about building his own cues. Pete was a lifelong pool player and when he wanted a new cue he decided that his skill set would allow him to make one himself. His first cue he used premade parts from Prather and when the guys down at the pool room saw what he was able to do the orders started to roll in. Once He got into it he decided that assembling premade parts wasn’t for him and he started to make his own radially laminated cores, Pete uses these in every cue and takes pride in trying to make every cue hit the same way.

Pete started full time with cues in 2005 and since then has really elevated his game, he has won the ACA’s peoples choice award for the last 3 years running at the SBE a feat I believe nobody else has accomplished. I would like to first thank Pete for taking the time out of his busy schedule to do this for us, and as always I have the pleasure of asking the first few questions.1) I’ve heard a lot about your new HAAS CNC mill can you tell us a little about this mill and what you use it for in the shop, also I think we’d all like to see some pics of the mill as well as your shop if you have any.

2) You seem to have created a style that is your own, can you tell us where do you draw your inspiration from for your designs, and more importantly what is your take on CDT (cue design theft).3) In the last 3 years how many cues have you made each year and how many do you plan to make this year, also what is your estimated wait time to receive a cue ordered today, also please tell us how you go about taking orders?

Jim <---- Thanks again Pete.

_________________ I am in a very very small group of people that can buy any cue they want that can make that statement.Congrats,Nick Serdula

I had the pleasure of seeing your cues first hand at the SBE the last few years. This year, I was able to spend a little time in your booth looking at cues in progress. How did you come about constructing some of the intricate "sleeves" on your forearms?

Thank you very much for your time,Chris

_________________2014 AZ Case of the Year Grand Champion

Last edited by CMD on Thu Jun 14, 2012 9:52 pm, edited 1 time in total.

1) is a cue a cue, or is it more to you? I ask this because i see alot of details in your cues that are hugely appreciable to me in the way that you accomplish/machine some designs. Things that 99.9% of folks including cm's may never even notice. Anyway, if you think some of your witty execution is going un-noticed or un-appreciated then your wrong.

2) whos your favorite cm?

_________________Just because Jake doesnt know how to do it, doesnt mean it cant be done!

Hi Pete-Thanks for taking the time to answer a few of our questions. It's greatly appreciated.

1) Of the cues you've built, do you have a personal favorite?

2) When a big, well known/respected collector places an order, do you ever feel nervous (for lack of a better term) about attempting to meet or exceed their expectations? Or honored to be a part of an incredible collection?

3) What do you think are the most difficult/annoying materials to work with and why? That being said, are there any you WON'T work with?

4) Do you consider yourself a cuemaker, an artist, or a combination of the two?

5) What cuemakers do you look up to most?

Thanks again! Sorry it any of these quesions are repeats or just really dumb questions. Lol

Do you have a preference in making traditional spliced cues versus more artistically decorated cues?

Are there materials that you prefer not to work with?

Which cuemaker(s) influenced and/or tutored you in the beginning?

_________________A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof was to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools. -Douglas AdamsIf anyone asks I'm claiming deniable plausibilityMy name is Paul and I approve of this message

2. Prior to deciding to build your own cue and then cues for customers, what cues were you personally using and what elements from them did you try to emulate or avoid?

3. Most Cuemakers seem to have a fellow cuemaker that has been , maybe not quite a mentor, but a 'go to guy' for questions/advice that influenced them perhaps passed on a few tricks. Do you have one? and who is he? what was the biggest help?

Since you put so much value in all your cues having the same hit can you describe to us the kind of hit your cues have? Have you found the hit characteristics you plan to use for the foreseeable future or is it a continual work in progress to perfect?

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